Friction shock-absorbing mechanism



March 27, 1928. 1,664,314

J. F. O'CONNOR FRICTION SHOCK ABSORBING MECHANISM Ori t. 9, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 xQ &

4, my 2i I 4 l m 4 zy/m i March 27, 1928. 1,664,314-

J. F. O'CONNOR FRICTION SHOCK ABSORBING MECHANISM I Original Filed Oct.9, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 3 F a 14 B f 34 J! J! a Patented Mar. 27, 1928.

warren srArEs PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN F. OCONNOR, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO H. MINER, INC., 01"

. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

FRICTION SHOCK-ABSORBING MECHANISM.

Application filed October 9, 1925,'S.eria1 No. 61,403. Renewed November 28,1927.

This invention relates to improvements in friction shock absorbing mechanisms.

One object .of the invention is to provide a friction shock absorbing mechanism more particularly adapted for railway draft rigrings wherein is obtained high capacity due to relatively large frictional areas provided by three sets of co-acting friction elements wherein one of said sets is relatively 1i) stationary and the remaining sets are movable with reference thereto and with reference to each other.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism of the character indicated, of the double ended type, including spreading means for placing the friction elements under lateral pressure when the spreading means is compressed, composed of wedge elements and friction shoes cooperating with the opposite ends thereof, the spreading means being so designed as to effect quick and certain release upon reduction of the actuating force.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will more fully and clearly appear from the description and claims hereinafter following. I

In the drawing forming a part of this specification, Figure 1 is a horizontal, longitudinal, sectional view of a portion of a railway draft rigging, showing my improvements in connection therewith. Figure 2 is a vertical, longitudinal, sectional View, partly broken away, corresponding substantially to the line 2-2 of Figure 1. And Figures 3 and 4 are vertical, transverse, sectional views corresponding respectively to the lines 3-3and 4-4 of Figure 1.

In said drawings, -10 indicate channelsh'aped center or draft sills of a railway car underframe, to the inner faces of which are securedfront stop lugs 11-11 and rear stop lugs 12-12. The inner end of the drawbar is designated by 13, to which is operatively connected a hooded. yoke 14 of well-known form. The friction shock absorbing mechanism proper is disposed within the yoke and the yoke in turnis supported in operative position by a detachable saddle plate 15 supported from the draft sills. f i

The improved shock absorbing mechanism proper. as shown, comprises broadly front and rear follower casing A-A; anv intermediate casing B 5 two friction shoes C; two

friction shoes D; a wedge block E; two groups of friction elements F -F; front and rear sets of spring resistance elements G-G; a retaining pin H; and a retainer bolt J.

The front and rear casings A are of sub.- stantially the same design, each casing including a transverse vertical end wall 16, spaced vertically disposed side walls 17-17; and horizontally disposed top and bottom walls 18-18. The end walls 16 of the front and rear follower casings cooperate with the corresponding stop lugs in the manner of the usual front and rear followers The side walls 17 of each casing are provided intermediate their ends on the 'inner side thereof with inwardly extending vertically disposed flanges 19-19, the latter being preferably reinforced by a plurality of horizontally disposed webs 20-20 extending from the flanges 19 to the end wall 16 of the corresponding casing. The vertically disposed flanges19 of each casing serve as abutment means adapted to co-operate with certain of the two groups of friction plates F as hereinafter pointed out. Between the flanges 19 and the open ends of the casings A, the side walls 17 thereof provide, interior, longitudinally disposed friction surfaces 120-120 adapted to cooperate with the corresponding groups of friction plates F.

The intermediate casing B is in the form of a substantiall rectangular box open at its front andrear ends. The casing B has spaced, vertically disposed, longitudinally extending side walls 21-21 and horizontally disposed, spaced longitudinally extending top and bottom walls 22-22. As most clearly shown in Figure 2, the top and bottom walls 22 of'the casingB are interiorly cut away at the center to provide transversely extending recesses 23-23 for a purpose hereinafter described.

The wedge block E has two sets of wedge faces, the same being respectively disposed at the front and rear ends thereof. Each pair of wedge faces comprises .a face 24 disposed at a relatively keen angle with reference to the longitudinal axis of the mechanismand a face disposed at a relatively blunt angle to said axis, the faces 24 and 25 converging outwardly of the mechanism. As most clearly shown in Figure 1. the blunt and keen wedge faces 25 and 24 of the block are disposed in sets at opposite sidesof the by the front and rear mechanism. It will thus bGSGGli that the blunt and keen wedge faces of each pair are directly opposed to each other. The Wedge block E is fixed to the casing B by means of the transversely disposed pin H, the block E and the top and bottom walls 22 of the casing B being provided with alined openings adapted to accommodate the pin. The pin H is provided with a central opening 26 extendinglongitudinally of the mechanism and adapted" to accommodate the shank of the retainer'bolt J. It will be evident that the retainer bolt thus serves to prevent endwise displacement of the pin H when the mechanism is assembled. 1 Thefriction shoes C and D are four inniimber, and are of substantially the same design except as hereinafter pointed out. The friction shoes are arranged in pairs at the-front and'rear ends of the wedge E, being interposed between the two groups of friction: plates F. One pair of shoes C and D cooperates with the front end of the wedge E while the other set cooperates with the rear .end thereof. Eachof the shoes has a longitudinally disposed outer friction surface 27' and a wedge face on theinner side thereof, the wedge faces-of the shoes 0 being designated by 125, and the wedge faces of the shoesD being designated by 124. The we'dge'faces 125 of the shoes G are inclined at a relatively blunt angle'with reference to the longitudinal axis of the mechanism and cooperates with; the corresponding. blunt Wedge faces of the wedge E. The wedge facesl2e of'the shoes 'D are disposed at a relatively keen wedge-acting angle and cooperate with the wedge faces 24; of the blockE.

The friction elements F are arranged. in twogr-oups at opposite sides of the mechanism. Each group of friction plates F is composed of three sets of plates 28, 29 and 30. The'setof plates 28 isanchored to the casing B, while the sets 29 and 30 are'carried follower casings A and are intercalated with the plates of the set 28. Each set 28 preferably comprises three plates as shown. The plates'28 are all of the same design, each plate being of substantially' rectangular form, and having central enlargements 31 at the top and bottom thereof, the enlargements 31 of each plate being in vertical al'inement and disposed substantially midway between the ends thereof. The enlargements 31 of the plates 28 are seated within the corresponding recesses 23 in? the top and bottom'walls of the casing B.

28 are thus anchored to the casing B and are held against longitudinal movement with reference to the same, but are permitted to have a certain amount of lateral movement. The front and rear sets of friction plates 29 and 30 are each preferably composed of three plates. The plates 29 and The plates 30 are all of identical design and each plate is of substantially rectangular outline. At the outer end, each plate 29 and 30 is provided with alined lateral enlargements 3232 presenting vertical abutment shoulders 33-33 at the inner ends of the enlargements. Each of" the'casings A is provided with aligned transversely extending top and bottom ribs 34 at the inner end thereof adapted to cooperate with the shoulders 33 of the corresponding plates to restore the plates to normal position when the casings are moved outwardly. As most clearly shown in Figure 1, the plates 29 and 30 of the front and rear sets are in alignment and are alternated with the plates 28. As most clearly shown in Figure 1, one of the plates. 28 of each group F is disposed outermost and bears directly on the inner surfaces of the'corresponding side wall 21 of the casing B, while one of the plates 29 of thefront set and oneof the plates 30 of the rear setof each group are disposed innermost and bear on the friction surfaces 27 of thecorresponding shoes C and D.

In the normal position of the parts as most clearly shown in Figures 1 and 2, the front ends of the plates 29 and'the rear ends of the plates 30 are slightly spaced from the.

flanges 19 of the corresponding front and rear follower casing A. i

The spring resistance elements G are tWo in number, each element comprising an inner light coil and an outer relatively heavier coil, the opposite ends of these two coils hearing respectively on the end wall 16 of the corresponding follower the outer ends of the corresponding pair of friction'shoes C and D.

The retainer bolt J has its opposite ends anchored. to the front and rear follower casings, the head. and the nut of the bolt being respectively accommodated within hollow bosses 35 projecting inwardly from the walls 16 of the front and rear follower casings. The shank of, the bolt extends through an opening in the wedge block E and the opening 26 of the pin H which. is in alignment therewith. The mechanism is held of uniform overall length and under initial compression by the retainer bolt J and compensation for wear of the various friction wedge faces is had by the expansion of the spring resistance elements G which, as pointed out, are under initial compression.

The operation of my improved shock absorbingmechanism is as follows, assuming a compression stroke. The front and rear follower casings A will be moved relatively toward each other, thereby compressing the spring resistance elements G and forcing the friction shoes inwardly against the wedge block EQ A spreading action will thus be obtained, placing the friction plates F under lateral pressure and forcing the casing A and on 7 plates will be engaged by the flanges 19 and moved inwardly of the mechanism toward each other, slipping on the friction surfaces of-the plates 28. It will be evident that during the initial action of the mechanism, while the clearance between the plates of the two groups F and the abutment flanges 19 of the followers is' taken up, relatively light resistance will be offered. The resistance will be greatly augmented as the compression continues and the friction plates are'moved relatively to each other. The described action will continue either until the actuating force is reduced, or the inner ends of the front and rear casings A come into abutment with the front and rear ends of thecasing B, whereupon compression of the springs G will be limited and the actuating force transmitted directly through the casings A, A and B to the corresponding stop It will be evident being driven solid. While the mechanism is being compressed, there will be substantially no true wedging action between the co-oper- 1 ating blunt faces thereof.

When the actuating force is reduced, the springs G will return all of the parts to normal position. Inasmuch as the springs directly act on the friction shoes G and D, and. the latter have engagement with the wedge block E, which is in turn anchored to the shell B,Vthe' latter will be substantially centered during the releasing action of the mechanism. During the outward movement of the casings A in release, the ribs 34 at the inner ends of the shells will come in engagement with the enlargements 32 of the plates 29 and 30, thereby pulling the same outwardly and restoring them to the normal position illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. As

the casings A are moved relatively to the plates 29. and 30, during the initial compression of the mechanism, the ribs 34 will be spaced from the enlargements 32 of the i plates 29 and 30, thereby permitting initial outward movement of the shells during re- I much as it effects an easy initial releasing lease, without, efiecting outward, movement of the plates. This is of importance, inasaction of the mechanism, permitting the wedge spreading action to be reduced before the plates are moved relatively to each other. The releasing action will also be greatly facilitated due toithe blunt and keen jangle. arrangement of the wedge and wedge friction shoes. The casing B will be slightly expanded'during compression of the mechanism, thereby storing up energy therein which becomes available during release when the shell is permitted to contract.

"Due to the blunt coacting wedge faces of the wedge and shoes, the wedge block will be squeezed out from between the friction shoes, thereby relieving the pressure on the sticking of the elements of the wedge system,

inasmuch as the blunt faces act in the manner of a safety valve. It will be evident that my invention is not limited to the arrangement of blunt and keen wedge faces, but that it is within the scope of the invention to dispose all of said wedge faces at the same angle to the longitudinal axis of the mechanism. 7

While I have herein shown and described what I now consider the preferred form-of my invention, the same is merely illustrative, and I contemplate all changes and modifications that come within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Iclaimz. j 1. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with front and rear, relatively movable follower elements of a shell interposed between said followers; a set of friction plates,said plates being fixed relatively to the shell; two sets of friction plates adapted to be engaged by said fo'llower elements respectively and moved relatively toward each other thereby, and also relatively to said first named set of plates; spreading means for placing said plates under lateral pressure; and springresistmeans. I

2. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with front and rear followers, relatively movable toward and from each other; of front and rear sets of friction plates adapted to be moved relatively toward each other by said followers; a central set of plates with which said front and rear plates are intercalated; apressure resisting member interposed between said her; and spring resistance means cooperat ing with said wedge system.

ance means cooperating with said'spreading IUD '3. In a friction shock absorbinginechanism, the combination with front and rear follower acting means, said means being relatively movable toward and away from each other; of a pluralityof friction-plates including certain plates movablewith the front and rear follower means respectively and intercalated with the remainingplates; means for placing all of said plates under lateral pressure,

sets of plates,

being intercalated with including a carrier means for said remaining plates and, lateral pressure, creating means; and spring resistance means cooperating with said lateral pressure creating means.

4. In a; friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with front and rear follower members, movable relatively toward and, away from each other; of a casing interposed between said means and relatively to which said members are movable; a plurality of friction plates, said plates being-arranged in groups at opposite sides of the mechanism, each group including three one set being carried by the casing and the plates of said last named set the remaining two sets of, plates, said remaining two sets being movable toward and away from each other with said front and rear follower members respectively; spreading means interposed between said two, groups of plates; and spring resistance means cooperating with said spreading means.

5. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with front and rear follower casings having longitudinally disposed interior friction surfaces, said casings being relatively movable toward and away from each other; of a floating casing interposed between said follower casings; a plurality of friction plates, said plates being divided into two groups at opposite sides of the mechanism, each group comprising a set ofplates carried by said floating casing and a set of friction plates carried by each follower casing, the sets of plates carried by the floating casing, and said last named set of plates having frictional engagement with the friction surfaces of the front and rear follower casings; wedge spreading means interposed between said two groups of plates; and spring resistance means co -operating with said wedge spreading means.

6. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with front and rear follower casings having longitudinally disposed interior friction surfaces, said casings being relatively movable toward and away from each other; of a floating casing interposed between'said follower casings; a plurality of frictionplates, said plates being divided into two groups at opposite sides of the mechanism, each group comprising a set of plates carried by said floating casing and a set of friction plates carried by each follower casing, the set of plates carried by the follower casings being intercalated with the plates carried by the floating casing, and said last'named set of plates having frictional engagement with the friction surfaces of the front and rear follower casings; a single wedge member fixed to the floating casing; front and rear sets of friction shoes cooperating with said wedge member, said shoes being interposed between said two groups of plates; and spring resistance elements interposed between the shoes and the front and rear follower casings,

7 In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with front and rear follower casings relatively movable toward and away from each other, said casingshaving interior friction surfaces; of a casing intermediate said follower casings; a plurality of friction plates, said plates. being divided into two groups at opposite sides of the mechanism, each group comprising a set of plates anchored to said intermediate casing and two sets of plates carried respectively by the front and rear follower casings and movable relatively to each other and relatively movable to said first named set, the latter being intercalated with said twosets; means interposed between said two groups of plates for placing the same under lateral pressure, including a wedge anchored to said intermediate casing and friction shoes co-opcrating therewith; spring resistance means interposed between said: shoes and frontand rear follower caslngs; and means on said front and rear follower casings for restoring the plates carried thereby to normal position after each compression stroke of the mechanism.

8. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with front and rear movable followers; of a wedge block having wedge faces at the opposite ends thereof; friction shoes at the opposite ends of'said wedge block having wedge faces cooperating with the faces of said wedge block; carrier member interposed between said followers relatively movable friction elements interposed between said shoes and carrier member, said elements being moved relatively by said followers, certain of said elements being mounted on the carrier and remaining elements being intercalated therewith and relatively movable thereto; and spring resistance means opposing relative movement of said followers and shoes. v

9. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with front and rear, relatively movable follower elements; of a casing interposed between said follower elements; a wedge member casing; front and rear sets of friction shoes cooperating with said wedge member; two

groups of friction elements disposed at 013- posite sides of the mechanism, each group comprising front movable respectively with the front and rear followers and an intermediate set fixed to said casing; and a spring resistance interposed between each follower and the corresponding set of friction shoes.

10. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with relatively movable front and rear follower casings; of a and rear sets of elements carried a by said floating casing interposed between said follower casings; a plurality of groups of relatively movable, intercalated plates including plates adapted to be moved relatively to each other by said follower casings and plates fixed against longitudinal movement with respect to said floating casing; a pair of friction shoes cooperating with each group of plates, one shoe of each pair having a blunt wedge face and the other shoe of said pair having a keen wedge face, a wedge have hereunto subscribed my name this 6th 20 day of October, 1925. 7 JOHN F. OCONNOR. 

